The Glencairn Group, in collaboration with Denham Youd architects, has unveiled plans for a new apartment block at 290 London Road in Glasgow. This development, set to be completed by February 2026, will feature 22 flats, mirroring the footprint of a 1980s apartment block that was demolished in the 2000s. The site, located near Glasgow Green, is a brownfield area, presenting an opportunity to revitalize a previously underutilized space.
In their planning statement, the architects emphasized the project's unique design approach. They wrote, "Instead of copying the form of the adjacent buildings, this proposal aims to create a distinctive 'landmark' that breaks the monotony of the wider urban block. The increased height at the corner of Morris Place and London Road serves as a gateway, highlighting its importance as a major pedestrian route to Glasgow Green and the People's Palace."
The architects also addressed the planner's concern about the building's footprint extending towards the street. They explained, "The reduced massing in the northwest aims to mitigate the visual impact of the gable when viewed along London Road. While the stepping out of the footprint is inevitable, reflecting the title of the previous structure, the careful articulation of this corner significantly reduces the extent and visual impact of the gable."
Furthermore, the north-facing common stair is strategically set back from the gull-wing corner block to minimize its apparent mass, ensuring a more harmonious integration with the surrounding urban landscape.
